J&K Police recently arrested seven locals linked to a terror module, seizing 2900 kg of IED-making materials and arms.

About Improvised Explosive Device

An improvised explosive device (IED) is a homemade bomb constructed from non-military or military components and widely used by insurgents, guerrillas, and terrorists in unconventional warfare or terrorist attacks. They are designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract a target and their construction is limited only by the builder's knowledge, ingenuity, and available materials. 

Key Components

Despite the wide variety of designs, most IEDs share five basic components: 

• Main Charge: The primary explosive material that causes the explosion. Common materials include a mix of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO), or explosives scavenged from conventional military munitions like artillery shells.
• Initiator (Fuse): A smaller, more sensitive explosive charge (like a blasting cap) that triggers the main charge.
• Power Source: Usually batteries, which provide the necessary energy for the electrical firing circuit.
• Switch (Activator): The mechanism that completes the firing circuit or sets off the initiator. These can range from simple pressure plates or trip wires to sophisticated remote-controlled devices using cell phones, pagers, or garage door openers.
• Container (Body): Any item large enough to house the components, such as a box, suitcase, vehicle, or pipe. 

IEDs often include enhancements such as nails, glass, or ball bearings, designed to act as shrapnel to increase casualties. They may also be modified to disperse chemical, radiological ("dirty bombs"), or biological materials. 

Types of IEDs

IEDs can be categorized by their delivery method and triggering mechanism: 

• Vehicle-Borne IEDs (VBIEDs): Car or truck bombs capable of delivering a large amount of explosives for significant structural damage or mass casualties.
• Person-Borne IEDs (PBIEDs): Devices carried by a suicide bomber, often concealed in a vest, allowing for agile and penetrative delivery to a target.
• Command-Initiated IEDs: Detonated by a person at a distance, typically via a wire circuit or a wireless signal (e.g., mobile phone, radio transmitter).
• Victim-Operated IEDs (VOIEDs): Booby traps designed to detonate upon contact by the victim, using mechanisms like pressure plates or trip wires.
• Postal/Mail Devices: Smaller devices delivered via mail. 

Impact and Countermeasures

IEDs are a persistent threat globally due to their low cost, ease of construction, and high effectiveness in creating fear, mass casualties, and significant infrastructure disruption. Counter-IED efforts focus on detection, neutralization, and disrupting the support networks (financing, construction, placement) behind them. 
Detection relies on vigilance for suspicious behavior and items, specialized bomb-sniffing dogs, and advanced technologies like trace detectors and ground-penetrating radar. If a suspected IED is encountered, the public is advised to immediately move away and contact local law enforcement or emergency services, and under no circumstances attempt to interact with the device. 

Download Pdf